kamiyacho trust Tower The Cutting Edge of Development: The Appeal of a Large-Scale Redevelopment

The Cutting Edge of Development: The Appeal of a Large-Scale Redevelopment

Kamiyacho Trust Tower

November 2018

*This article is based on research conducted at an earlier date; some details may differ at the present time.

Symbolic Tower of Kamiyacho Aiming to Become a Global Creative Area That Generates New Value

Mori Trust, a major developer based in Toranomon, Minato Ward, is moving forward with the development of a new landmark that will symbolize Tokyo’s status as an international city. This large-scale multi-use building representing the area is scheduled to be completed in March 2020. In this interview, we spoke with related parties about the overview of the project.

Large-Scale Redevelopment by Mori Trust Based in Kamiyacho/Toranomon

Kasumigaseki, the area adjacent to Toranomon where the development is taking place, is a core area of Japan where government facilities such as the cabinet office and Diet building have been located since the Meiji period. A short distance from Toranomon are various embassies and domiciles of foreign residents, showing that the area has developed with a very international feel.

Mori Trust Co., Ltd., the developer, has been based in the Kamiyacho/Toranomon area for about 20 years. This project is underway in Mori Trust’s own home ground.

The project site occupies a prime location directly connected to Kamiyacho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line. The project will be an integrated redevelopment project centering on Pastoral Toranomon, a hotel facility previously owned by the Mutual Aid Association of Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Institutions’ Employees. The company acquired the site of Pastoral Toranomon in January 2008. The building was demolished and leveled after the facility closed in September the following year. Then, after the site was temporarily used as a provisional facility comprising of a square, vegetable garden for rent, restaurant, etc., construction for the current project began in October 2016.

Before construction began, it was provisionally named the Toranomon Yon-chome Project. On March 4, 2015, it was accredited as the first Architecture Remodeling Project for National Strategic Urban Planning designated by the Cabinet Office, and as a National Strategic Private Sector Urban Renaissance Project. Upon the start of construction in October 2016, it was decided that the name of the project would be changed to Tokyo World Gate, signifying its role as a gateway linking both Tokyo and Japan to the world.

The project site has been accredited as a National Strategic Special Zone. These are zones designated for the purpose of promoting facilities necessary for the formation of an international city that is competitive on a global level (including residences for urban dwellers, office buildings and convention facilities) and establishing an international business environment that attracts capital and human resources from around the world. Exceptions have been made with regard to the City Planning Act, Land Readjustment Act, Urban Renewal Act and Act on Special Measures Concerning Urban Reconstruction. The development of the Kamiyacho and Toranomon area will be further accelerated through the introduction of city functions aiming to enhance Tokyo’s international competitiveness.

“If you were to name some of the characteristics of the Kamiyacho/Toranomon area, you might say it’s a government office quarter or business district close to Kasumigaseki or that it’s an area with a lot of foreigners from the embassies and foreign firms. It is also a district with a diverse range of functions where office buildings, public facilities, hotels and residences are located. It also has many shrines and temples and is very green even though it’s in the city center. This diversity differentiates it from the Marunouchi/Otemachi area, one of the leading business districts in Japan. In carrying this redevelopment project forward, we made sure to utilize to the best extent the broad appeal of the area.” (Yoshihiko Masunaga)

Enhancing Status as International City with Utilization of Area Characteristics in Development

The company settled on the following three points for development, incorporating the characteristics of areas with many foreigners and consolidating them under the concept of “Globalize Japan, Localize the World.” The aim is to enhance Tokyo’s status as an international city from both a physical and operational standpoint.

1. Establishment of businesses and environment for interaction supporting innovation ① Business spaces to realize the workstyle of Tokyo, a city at the forefront in the world. ② Amenities full of greenery creating space for relaxation and recreation for between work time.

2. Building top-notch residential functions attracting global players and innovators ① Luxurious residential functions satisfying the sensibilities of global players. ② Functions supporting the comfortable living of those who come to stay through comprehensive support.

3. Creation of a base for dispatching the Japan brand to the world ① Consolidating the appeal of Japan as a whole and dispatching the “Japan brand portal” to the world.

Creating a Comfortable Environment Down to the Details and Considering Regional Features

Kamiyacho Trust Tower will have 38 aboveground floors and 3 underground floors. Six floors (the 31st to 36th) will be occupied by Tokyo Edition Toranomon. Edition represents Marriott International’s premium luxury hotel brand, and Mori Trust successfully brought it to Japan for the first time.

There are approximately 200 guestrooms in Tokyo Edition Toranomon, including suite rooms. Service apartment specifications are also provided to accommodate short- to long-term residential needs. A restaurant, bar, fitness room, pool, spa and such will also be established These additional facilities are anticipated to be used by hotel guests as well as office workers and residents.

“The concept of this hotel is “socializing.” Another aim of this redevelopment project is to stimulate interactions between people who normally may not mingle with one other such as hotel guests, residents and even office workers, in an aim to further the development and vitalization of the Kamiyacho/Toranomon area. For this, we are also planning events in collaboration with a tourist information center for foreigners that we operate in Marunouchi. Wi-Fi is also scheduled to be set up in the district so that people can connect with the world at any time.” (Ono)

Furthermore, in consideration of the high proportion of foreigners in the Kamiyacho/Toranomon area, functions for supporting the comfortable living of foreigners will be enhanced such as through the establishment of a medical facility providing total health support in multiple languages on the second floor, support in various procedures through concierge services and provision of information on living and tourism in multiple languages.

“Elevators and flow planning are taken into consideration to facilitate stress-free movement within the area where there are differences in elevation. We are also planning to make this location a base for dispatching the Japan brand in the future by having more and more foreigners use the space.” (Masunaga)